Planning Accreditation Board

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The Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) is a voluntary private body that manages the system to regularly review, mentor, accredit, and report on both undergraduate and graduate planning programs. By doing so, PAB helps to maintain the standards for the profession of planning. The PAB is a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

PAB accreditation of planning schools is important because it ensures that, at a minimum, graduates of accredited programs have demonstrated knowledge of:

Structure and Functions of Urban Settlements

History and Theory of Planning Processes and Practices

Administrative, Legal, and Political Aspects of Plan-making and Policy Implementation

Knowledge of a Particular Specialization or Planning Issue

To complete a degree in planning, students must be skilled in:

Problem Formulation, Research Skills, and Data Gathering

Quantitative Analysis and Computers

Written, Oral, and Graphic Communications

Collaborative Problem Solving, Plan-making, and Program Design

Synthesis and Application of Knowledge to Practice

Thus, the PAB encourages all people considering a career in planning to attend a PAB-certified school. Graduation from an accredited school may also facilitate with job searches and licensure since PAB accreditation “speaks to a sense of public trust, as well as professional quality”. The site visits and review process for each accredited school are available for public review from the PAB website. As of January 2013, PAB accredits 72 master’s and 15 bachelor’s programs at 76 North American Universities.